Moving to Thailand. I need advice please.

[Cyrus]

Hey everybody,

I recently landed a sort-of "dream job" in Pattaya for 6 months. It's still 9-5, but it should kick quite a bit of ass. That being said, this is an interesting location to land myself in, and I thought about this forum, and became excited about the prospect of being a high-value western guy in Asia. But I've done some research on Thailand, Pattaya in particular, and I get the sense the majority of women are either prostitutes, or pseudo-prostitutes where money is still expected in exchange for their companionship.

The problem is, I'm not a big fan of prostitutes. I don't like paying for affection. I like the "real thing". The vast majority of guys go to Thailand seeking easy sex in exchange for a bit money, and I have no doubt I am going to be continually harassed by Thai bar girls.

But does anyone have any tips for meeting real Thai women? Is it possible? Are they interested in western men? Is it even possible to have a hot Thai girlfriend in a place like Pattaya without the expectations of paying her?

[wineguy]

In my early 20's and already taken 6 separate trips to Pattaya, and been with both "prostitutes" as well as girls who do not expect money. If you want "the real thing", my advice to you is to go spend weekend in Chiang Mai, where there are a lot of university students and recently graduated girls. Up there it's a lot more.. well.. normal, but it's still very easy to get dates with the locals.

If you don't want to do that and you're stuck in Pattaya, chat up the girls working in hair salons, banks, hotel reception, grocery stores, etc. Don't be shy, they generally love the attention. I'm not a great looking guy and I've never once been turned down or got a negative reaction when asking a girl for a date in Thailand. Smile, laugh, be respectful and nice. It's really that simple. If you're looking for the real thing, the last thing you want to do is get involved with a bar girl.

I hope this helped. Cheers.

[zboy1]

Hey everybody,

I recently landed a sort-of "dream job" in Pattaya for 6 months. It's still 9-5, but it should kick quite a bit of ass. That being said, this is an interesting location to land myself in, and I thought about this forum, and became excited about the prospect of being a high-value western guy in Asia. But I've done some research on Thailand, Pattaya in particular, and I get the sense the majority of women are either prostitutes, or pseudo-prostitutes where money is still expected in exchange for their companionship.

The problem is, I'm not a big fan of prostitutes. I don't like paying for affection. I like the "real thing". The vast majority of guys go to Thailand seeking easy sex in exchange for a bit money, and I have no doubt I am going to be continually harassed by Thai bar girls.

But does anyone have any tips for meeting real Thai women? Is it possible? Are they interested in western men? Is it even possible to have a hot Thai girlfriend in a place like Pattaya without the expectations of paying her?

Lucky bastard! Say hi to Repatriate for me when your in Thailand. I miss his presence on this forum since he and Winston got into a little scuffle a while ago and left the forum.

[CerealKiller]

Hey everybody,

I recently landed a sort-of "dream job" in Pattaya for 6 months. It's still 9-5, but it should kick quite a bit of ass. That being said, this is an interesting location to land myself in, and I thought about this forum, and became excited about the prospect of being a high-value western guy in Asia. But I've done some research on Thailand, Pattaya in particular, and I get the sense the majority of women are either prostitutes, or pseudo-prostitutes where money is still expected in exchange for their companionship.

The problem is, I'm not a big fan of prostitutes. I don't like paying for affection. I like the "real thing". The vast majority of guys go to Thailand seeking easy sex in exchange for a bit money, and I have no doubt I am going to be continually harassed by Thai bar girls.

But does anyone have any tips for meeting real Thai women? Is it possible? Are they interested in western men? Is it even possible to have a hot Thai girlfriend in a place like Pattaya without the expectations of paying her?

Lucky bastard! Say hi to Repatriate for me when your in Thailand. I miss his presence on this forum since he and Winston got into a little scuffle a while ago and left the forum.

Oh he left? That kinda blows. Yeah I read some of those threads, and towards the end Winnie seemed to be dropping the f-bomb almost every other word. Was a bit surprised, but I guess I shoulda seen it coming.

I'm currently 100% entrenched in the culture here in Thailand, and don't see that changing too soon.

That said, since arriving here I've taken plenty of side trips to almost every country in the region - including the Indian subcontinent. But still... doubt I'll be leaving this country anytime soon. Heh.

[ladislav]

What visas are available for long term stay in Thailand and how expensive/easy are they?

[Jester]

Near as I can tell from a little surfing (anyone please correct this with better info):

Long stay visa is one way - retirement - over 55 - about $30,000USD in baht in the bank - here's a link
http://www.guidetothailand.com/thailand ... y-visa.php


OR
a one-year stay as a student
http://www.istayphuket.com/phuket-visa-run


OR
a tourist visa, with 90 day back to back runs forever:
http://www.domesticflightsthailand.com/ ... stVisa.htm
"The closest countries where tourist visas can be obtained are Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia and Singapore. The details of the Thai embassies for these countries are listed below. Several budget airlines offer cheap flights to these destinations. You apply at the embassy for the visa, usually costing around $50 US. This will give you a 60 day stay, which can then be extended at a Thailand immigration office (found in all major Thai cities), for an extra 30 days (currently costing 1900 Baht. To do this and get the maximum out of your visa, you need to apply for the extension on the day the visa is due to expire.

After this set of 90 days expires you are then eligible for 3 more visas on arrival, or another Tourist visa from outside the country."

OR
a business visa...
$2,500USD a year -- still requires visa runs just like a tourist visa, but checking account can be opened and you can do business locally

[polya]

Near as I can tell from a little surfing (anyone please correct this with better info):

Long stay visa is one way - retirement - over 55 - about $30,000USD in baht in the bank - here's a link
http://www.guidetothailand.com/thailand ... y-visa.php


OR
a one-year stay as a student
http://www.istayphuket.com/phuket-visa-run


OR
a tourist visa, with 90 day back to back runs forever:
http://www.domesticflightsthailand.com/ ... stVisa.htm
"The closest countries where tourist visas can be obtained are Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia and Singapore. The details of the Thai embassies for these countries are listed below. Several budget airlines offer cheap flights to these destinations. You apply at the embassy for the visa, usually costing around $50 US. This will give you a 60 day stay, which can then be extended at a Thailand immigration office (found in all major Thai cities), for an extra 30 days (currently costing 1900 Baht. To do this and get the maximum out of your visa, you need to apply for the extension on the day the visa is due to expire.

After this set of 90 days expires you are then eligible for 3 more visas on arrival, or another Tourist visa from outside the country."

OR
a business visa...
$2,500USD a year -- still requires visa runs just like a tourist visa, but checking account can be opened and you can do business locally

I remember reading Thailand has passed laws to whip/flagellate over-stayers. Also, the Phillippine Govt is outraged as their citizens go there to work as maids, etc.

[Jester]

I remember reading Thailand has passed laws to whip/flagellate over-stayers. Also, the Phillippine Govt is outraged as their citizens go there to work as maids, etc.

Maybe you meant Singapore. This apparently occurred there in 1995.

[CerealKiller]

I remember reading Thailand has passed laws to whip/flagellate over-stayers. Also, the Phillippine Govt is outraged as their citizens go there to work as maids, etc.

Whipping guys who overstay in Thailand would not be recommended. That would only encourage them to stay longer!

[ringspun]

Ok, its like this... the girls who work the bar's are all pretty much on the program in one way or another...

However it is very possible to meet a girl who is working in one of the many Mall's or retail outlets which are in abundance in the area, here you could find a nice girl for sure, however they will expect you to pay for everything thats for sure... you can even pay her boss for time off.